Fountain pen



` April 7, 1942.V

j MW@ o u l Y B 6 2 .W m d n F a a \\\|\l/AH x Hllllwwl IIII||I Ulli!! l E I lll.. lllwl Patented Apr. 7, 1942 FOUNTAIN PEN Marlin AS. Baker, Janesville, Wis., assignor to The Parker Pen Company, Janesville, Wis., a

corporation of Wisconsin y Application July 26, 1940, Serial No. 347,586 9 Claims. (Cl. 1Z0-42) My invention relates to fountain pens and it has to do particularly with cap structure adapted for closing the writing end thereof.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an improved fountain pen.

. Another object is to provide an improved cap structure of the foregoing character for fountain pens. y

A further object is to provide a closure cap for a fountain pen that may be easily andquickly applied to and removed from the writing end of the pen by a single push or a pull movement, the cap being yieldably retained upon the pen in its applied position.

Still another object is to provide a closure cap of the foregoing character which is adapted to enclose and conceal the writing end of the pen and which is provided with concealed means for venting to atmosphere that portion of the cap which encloses the writing end of the pen.

Another object is to provide cap structure of the foregoing character adapted to be slip-tted upon the writingend portion of a fountain pen to a predetermined extent suicient to enclose the external writing end portion of the pen in spaced relation, the c'ap being providedwith internal stop means cooperating with the Writing end portion of the pen for determining said predetermined extent of cap application thereto.

An additional object is to provide stop means of the foregoing character adapted to ventilate that portion of the cap enclosing the writing end portion of the pen when the cap is applied to the pen.

A more specific object is to provide a closure cap particularly well suited for use with a fountain pen of the type disclosed in my copending application Serial No.'249,617, filed January 6, 1939, which pen embodies a non-leak feed mechanism adapted to maintain a substantially constant wet condition for instant writing purposes, the arrangement being such that the closure cap eliminates the necessity of a threaded or the like connection between the cap and the pen barrel, it avoids any tendency for flooding of the pen upon removal of the cap, it practically eliminates the possibility of leakage under air travel conditions, it avoids tendency for formation'of condensate upon the cap and enclosed writing end portion of the pen, and it tends to insure instant writing of the pen at all times,

An additional object is to provide a cap of the foregoing character which may be formed of very thin metal without any substantial increase in the weight of the pen, and the cap may be readily given any suitable or desirable shape for enhancing the appearance of the pen as a whole.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as this description progresses and by reference to the drawing wherein- Figure 1 is an elevational View of one form of pen embodying my invention;

Fig.V 2` is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the cap of Fig. 1 and the pen structure enclosed thereby;

Fig. 3 is a section taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmental sectional view of the forward end portion of the cap as detached from the pen barrel; and

Fig. 5 is a section taken substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

My invention is well suited for use in connection with a pen of the type shown in the drawing but it is to be understood that my invention has utility with respect to anypen wherein the conditions of use herein set forth exist.

'Ihe structure illustrated includes a barrel Ill having an ink reservoir II adapted to be lled by mechanism of the type disclosed in Letters Patent No. 1,904,358, granted on April 18, 1933, to Arthur O. Dahlberg, which mechanism includes a breather tube I2 mounted in the rear end of a feed barv I3 forming part of .the feed` mechanism. The forward end of the reservoir II is connected to a feed mechanism which, preferably, though not necessarily, takes the form of feed mechanism disclosed in my said pending application Serial No. 249,617,

Generally speaking, the feed mechanism includes a tubular ink collector I4 slip-fitted in the forward reduced portion I5 of the barrel I0, which collector'is provided with aseries of exterior, circular and longitudinally spaced ns IB providing a plurality of surplus ink-receiving capillary cells I1, as set forth in my said pending application. The tubular portion of the ink collector I4 is provided with 'different diameters to frictionally receive the rear end of the feed bar I3' and to frictionally receive the rear end of a tubular nib I8 which surrounds the forward portion of the feed bar I3 in spaced relation thereto, The feed unit consisting of the collector I4.

feed bar I3 and nib I8 are surrounded by aforwardly tapering shell I9, the rear en d of which is internally threaded for detachable securement to the threaded portion 20 of the reduced barrel extension' I5. These parts, as explained in my said Apending application, are so related that the ink reservoir II is connected to the writing tip I8 of the nib I8 by a series of capillary passages through which the ink is normally fed for normal writing purposes and, when the iiow of ink from the reservoir exceeds that required for the existing Writingneeds, the excess ink is fed into the capillary cells II, thereby preventing the flow of excess ink to the writing tip and consequent flooding, as well as creating a condition, as explained in my said pending application, wherein th'e flow of ink from the reservoir II is stopped. Thusly, there is provided a non-leak feed mechanism which, through the relation of the parts, including the forward end of the shell I9 above the forward slotted end of the nib I8, except the` writing tip ISH, is maintained in a wet condition ready for instant writing. This arrangement tends to prevent the drying out of the feed mechanism even though the writing end of the pen be exposed to the air for ventilation or other purposes.

It is desirable, during periods of non-use of the pen, that the writing end portion be covered to protect the pen point against injury, to prevent a persons clothing from contacting the point in the event that the pen should be carried in ones clothing, and for other reasons well known to those skilled in the art. My invention is particularly concerned with a closure cap for enclosing the writing end portion of the fountain pen during periods of non-use, which cap may, o

if desired, during periods of use, be applied to the rear end of the pen for the usual reasons.

Speciiically, the cap' structure shown in the drawing includes an outer, thin-walled, metallic tube or shell 2l. The end of the shell 2I, in which the forward end of the pen barrel is received, is of slightly larger diameter than the pen barrel `so that it may readily be received therein and air may circulate therepast. The shell 2I may readily be given any desired shape, such as shown in the drawing, for improving the appearance of the pen or otherwise.

The inner or so-called closed end of the cap shell is adapted to receive an inner cap 22 formed, preferably, of a plastic material of any suitable kind which will not be materially affected by the corrosive action of ink. The end of the shell 2.I at the closed end of the cap is flanged inwardly at 2I, providing a reduced opening through which a reduced end portion 22'EL of the inner cap 22 projects. .The projectingportion 22a of the inner cap 22 is provided with an axial threaded opening 22b for reception of the threaded portion of a metallic bushing 23 adapted to anchor and secure a metallic clip 24 upon the cap. Speciiically, the clip 24` is provided with an annular head 24a adapted to fit around the projecting portion 22B of the inner cap 22 and seat uponthe outer end of the shell flange 2I. The outer edge of this ring portion is provided with a beveled wall 24b against which the beveled edge 23 of the bushing 23 seats, whereby, when the bushing 23 is screwed home, the clip 24, as well as the inner cap 22, is securely anchored in place. The bushing 23 is internally threaded for reception of the threaded stem of a decorative tip 25. The threaded part of the bushing 23 is of such length that it extends only part way through the threaded opening 22hof the inner cap, and the inner end of this inner cap opening 22b receives a plug 26, preferably, cemented in place in such a way as t prevent ink that may be deposited in the inner cap 22 from reaching the bushing 23 with consequent corrosive effect.

The forward or open end of the inner cap 22 serves as a. stop for Hunting the extent to which the cap may be moved or pushed longitudinally upon the pen. To this end, the forward end of the inner cap has an inside diameter greater than the diameter ofthe forward end of the tapered shell I9 and less than the diameter of the rear end of the shell I9 so that, when the cap is applied to the front end of the pen, the forward end of the inner cap 22 will strike against; the tapered wall of the shell I9 at about midway the length of the latter. The inner cap 22 is of such length that when its forward end is abutted by the pen shell I9 the forward end of such shell andv the writing tip I8 are held in spaced relation to the closed end of the cap 22, thereby preventing injury to the pen point when the cap is applied.

It will be seen that, in an arrangement of the foregoing character, the writing end portion of the pen, when the cap is applied thereto, will be confined in a relatively small space and, unless guarded against, condensate will form within the inner cap 22 and upon the enclosed writing end portion for reasons well understood. This, if it should exist, is highly objectionable, particularly in a pen of the character described, due to the fact that the forward portion of the pen is so shaped that it may be grasped in close proximity to the writing tip I8 for writing purposes, and the formation of condensate may result in the smearing of moisture and possibly some ink upon the hand of the user.

One of the features of my invention has to do with the prevention of the objectionable condensate condition above mentioned. To this end, the open or stop end of the inner cap 22 is provided with a longitudinal slot 21 extending from its extreme pen-engaging or stop edge toward its closed end to such an extent that, when the inner cap 22 is engaged with the shell I9, air can pass through the slot 21 and circulate in the pen-enclosing chamber portion of the inner cap, this circulation beingrfacilitated by the non-seal t between the pen barrel I0 and the open end of the cap and by the cap retaining clutch means which will now be described.

Although the open end of the cap is freely received upon the pen barrel and will permit the circulation of air therepast when thecap is applied, the cap is centered and yieldably retained upon the barrel by ventilated clutch structure carried by the cap and cooperating with a clutch element carried by the pen. More particularly, a thin-walled metallic sleeve 28 is press-fitted into the forward portion of the cap shell 2| and this clutch shell is provided, adjacent the open end of the cap, with an annular series of inwardly bowed spring portions, or fingers, so to speak, 29 which provide yieldable gripping surfaces. These spring portions 29 are so located that, when the cap is fully applied, as shown in Fig. 2, their bowed portions are in alignment with the joint between the shell I9 and the reduced barrel extension.l I5, at which point the barrel supports a metallic clutch ring 30. Specifically, the clutch ring 30 is adapted to fit against a shoulder I5n between the main barrel III and its extension I5 and is adapted to be abutted and confined by the inner or threaded end of the shell I9 when it is screwed upon the barrel extension. The outer surface of the metallic ring 30 is channeled circumferentially, providing a pair of spaced circumferential ribs 3I'la which project slightly outwardly beyond the barrel wall, providing surfaces adapted to be engaged by the bowed portions 29 of the metallic clutch'member 28. It will thus be seen that, when the cap is applied to the forward end of the pen and pushed thereupon very thin metallic tubing, thereby minimizing n weight. The cap may be easily and quickly applied or removed by a single push or pull movement, conventional screw threads and other cap attachment means requiring manipulation being eliminated. Condensation within the inner cap which encloses the writing end of the pen is eliminated. A free circulation of air through the cap is permitted at all times so that changes in air pressure, as may occur through change in altitude, are compensated for, thereby making the pen more adaptable for use during air travel. The cap structure as a whole is quite sturdy and durable, and its parts are so constructed and arranged that their manufacture" and assembly are facilitated. The utility of the pen as a whole is increased materially by my invention.

I claim:

l. In a fountain pen, a barrel, ink feed mechanism including a pen nib'mounted in the forward ond of said barrel, an elongated cylindrical cap open at one end and closed at its other end, said cap being adapted to receive said barrel and enclose the forward end thereof, stop means Within and carried by said capand adapted to engage the enclosed barrel portion and thereby limit the extent that the barrel may be received within said cap, and means between said cap and said barrel and engageable` prior to engagement of said stop means for yieldably retaining said cap upon said barrel in its stop-engaged position, and whereby the cap may be applied to or removed from said barrel by a single push or pull movement, respectively.

2. In a fountain pen, a barrelink feed mecha- .nism including a pen nib mounted in the forward end of said barrel, an elongated cylindrical cap open at one end and closed at its other end, said cap being adapted to receive said barrel and enclose the forward end thereof, stop means within and carried by said cap and adapted to engage the enclosed barrel portion and thereby limit the extent that the barrel may be received within said cap, and clutch means, including a clutch element carried by said barrel and a clutch element carried by the open end portion of said cap, adapted to be engaged just prior to engagement of said stop means for retaining said cap upon said barrel and for permitting full application of and removal of said cap by a single push or pull movement, respectively.

3. In a fountain pen, a barrel having a writing end portion tapered toward the writing end thereof, an elongated `cylindrical cap closed at one end and open at its other end and adapted to receive the writing end portion of said barrel, a continuous annular stop member within and carrier by said cap and adapted to stop-engage the enclosed tapered wall of said writing end portion when said cap is applied to a predeterminedextent, and separate means between said barrel and said cap for frictionally retaining said cap upon said barrel at all times when said stop member is engaged merely by insertion of said tapered end portion Within said cap whereby said cap may be fully applied and removed solely by a push or pull movement, respectively.

4. In a fountain pen, a barrel having a writing end portion tapering toward the writing end thereof, a closure cap for the writing end of said barrel comprising a tubular outer shell member, an inner cap member within said shell and adapted to receive and enclose the tapered writing end portion of said barrel, said inner cap having a fixed stop portion adapted 'to engage the enclosed tapered wall of said writing end portion to limit the extent to which said cap may be moved upon said barrel when it is engaged with said stop portion, and clutch means between said cap `and barrel for yieldably retaining said 'cap upon said barrel and enabling said cap to be applied and removed by a push or pull movement, respectively.

5. In a fountain pen, a barrel having a writing end portion tapering toward the Writing end thereof, a closure cap for the writing end of said barrel comprising a tubular outer shell member, an inner cap member within said shell and adapted to receive and enclose the tapered writing end portion of said barrel, said inner cap having a stop portion adapted to abut the tapered wall of said Writing end portion to limit the extent to which said cap may be moved upon said barrel, a clutch ring carried by said barrel inwardly of said tapered Writing end portion, a spring clutch member carried by said cap outwardly of said inner cap and adapted to yieldably engage said clutch ring when the stop portion of said inner cap is engaged.

' r 6. In a fountain pen, a barrel having a writing' end portion, a closure cap adapted to fit freely upon said barrel to receive and enclose said writing end portion, a fixed annular stop member` carried by said cap and adapted to be engaged means for releasably retaining said cap upon said barrel in its stop-engaged position.

7. In a fountain pen, a barrel having a writing end portion, a closure cap adapted to fit freely upon said barrel to receive said ywriting end portion, a stationary annular stop member in said cap and adapted to surround and engage said writing end portion to limit the extent to which said cap may be moved upon said barrel, said stop member having a vent opening therein connectving the different portions of said cap on opposite sides of said stop member when said cap is applied to said barrel to permit circulation of air throughout said cap when it is applied, and separate ventilated means yieldably retaining said cap upon said barrel in its stop-engaged position.

`member having means for Ventilating said cap and permitting the circulation of air therein when the cap is freely applied, and separate means spaced from said stop member for yieldably retaining said cap upon said barrel in its fully applied position, said means permitting the circulation of air therepast.

9. In a fountain pen, a barrel having a writing end portion, a closure cap therefor which compriges a tubular thin-walled metallic shell, an inner cap formed of plastifl material carried within said shell and adapted to receive and enclose said writing end portion, said inner cap being adapted to engage the writing end portion 10i of said barrel at a point inwardly of the writing end thereof to limit the extent to which said cap may be applied to said barrel, and means located. outwardly of said inner cap for retaining said cap upon said barrel when said cap is fully applied, said means including members that flex and thereby p ermit said cap to be fully applied to and removed from said barrel by a single push or pull movement, respectively.

` MARLIN S. BAKER. 

